“In telling a touching, cleareyed tale of young death, grief and connection, Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson’s third collaboration, MOUSE, reminds us how personal — yet shared — loss can feel.” - Lisa Kennedy, The New York Times
“While I’m not sure there’s yet a cult assembled around the deeply empathetic and uniquely humane cinema of O’Sullivan and Thompson (partners in both film and life), God willing, there will be after more audiences see MOUSE.” - Kate Erbland, IndieWire
Beloved local filmmakers Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan continue to set emotionally complex stories in small-town settings with their third collaboration, MOUSE. It’s 2002, and best friends Minnie and Callie are heading into their senior year of high school. Minnie has long lived in the protective shadow of the charismatic and admired Callie. When their friendship is suddenly upended at the start of the summer, Minnie struggles to define her own identity and forms a complicated relationship with Callie’s poised, attentive mother, Helen, pulling her further from her own chaotic home. Starring Sophie Okonedo in a heart-wrenching performance as Helen, MOUSE is one of our favorite locally helmed films of the year.
Awards & Nominations
2026 Berlin International Film Festival - Official Selection
2026 Chicago International Film Festival - Official Selection
Be Kind, Rewind | December 11–31, 2026
Join us as we rewind the best and biggest films of 2026—from favorite titles that graced the Siskel Film Center’s screens to movies that thrilled audiences across the country. A mini-reflection on the cinematic year that was, BE KIND, REWIND surveys breakout features, new epics from established masters, barnstorming documentaries, and one highly anticipated restoration. As the final days of 2026 slip away, the Siskel Film Center invites you to consider what these films reveal not just about the movies of the year but about 2026 itself.
The Film Center is ADA accessible. This presentation will be projected without open captions. The theater is hearing-loop equipped. For accessibility requests, please email filmcenter@saic.edu